May 8th, 2023 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter was joined by representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and Town of Islip Public Safety at a press conference to address a recent graffiti incident that occurred at the newly opened Roberto Clemente Skate Park in Brentwood.

WATCH NOW: Press Conference with Local Town and County Officials

"Two months ago, in March when we saw all the enthusiastic skaters begin to make this park their own, we were overjoyed. But when I look around today, sadly, I am appalled. This is graffiti, it is an ugly act of vandalism, and make no mistake, it is a criminal act," said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. "To the perpetrators who left this ugly mark of hate and violence where our youth come to play, know this: we will find you, and you will be turned over and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," she added.

The Suffolk County Police Department, along with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office are working with the Town of Islip Public Safety Office in the investigation and are searching through surveillance footage for leads. "This was a gut punch," said Tony Prudenti, Commissioner, Town of Islip Public Safety. "The community asked for a skate park, we worked with residents to gather their input on the types of features they wanted to see, and less than two months since the ribbon cutting, its marred by graffiti," he said.

The popular plaza style skate park contains quarter pipes, rails and steps, and has been a destination for skaters since its opening.

On hand at the press conference were Town Board members, town officials and local legislators.